Egyptian pyramids get a deep clean as tourist sites sit empty during pandemic

Egyptian authorities have begun deep cleaning the pyramids and other historical sites, as the country battles to stop the spread of COVID-19 and tourist sites lie empty.

The area surrounding the famous Giza pyramids, which typically attract up to 15 million visitors every year, is currently being disinfected and sterilised by Egyptian authorities, though the monuments themselves are not being touched.

Egypt has closed its museums and all other tourist attractions to the public in recent weeks, as the country’s confirmed cases of the coronavirus steadily rise. So far, the country has almost 500 incidences of COVID-19, with over 20 deaths. It is reported that several cases are linked to tourism, and the arrival of a cruise ship on the Nile earlier this month.

North Africa has seen an increase in cases of COVID-19 in recent weeks, though Europe and the United States remain the epicentre of the outbreak.

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Find out what this means for travellers.

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